GANT by Michael Bastian S/S 2013

By: Devin Cole

Michael Bastian transported his guests to the Galapagos Islands with his spring 2013 collection for GANT. He was inspired by the Darwin’s discoveries there which eventually lead to his theory of evolution. The presentation, was held at the Industria Superstudio, featured models perched on platforms with tropical backdrops which were referred to as “islands”. As I walked around the funky urban safari snapping pictures, it was rare to catch the models standing still looking like mannequins as I had seen at other presentations. They were all bopping to the booming pop music that was playing, laughing, and reaching around the walls that separated them to play jokes on each other. Jamaican rum from Appleton Estate (it was delicious by the way!) was served to the guests to compliment the atmosphere.


Bastian portrayed his inspiration of a tropical explorer by using khaki, and olive green for his neutral tones and adding utilitarian cargo pockets to garments. The entire collection had the feeling of being functional and easy to wear, making it a perfect choice for any excursion. I love how Bastian put a hip and fun twist on the collection by adding Peruvian-style belts, colorful rugby shirts, cute seagull screen prints, nylon jackets in electric hues, and mixing prints. I also liked how he offered some really classic pieces that can be worn year after year such as his plaid shirts and Fair Isle sweaters.

I caught up with celebrity stylist, Eugenia Rebolini, at the presentation who helped to execute Bastian’s vision. She summed up the look for the collection, “We do the styling the same always, a little bit loose, a little bit undone, nothing too straight, nothing too perfect, a little rough look-same for boys or girls.”